Oregon Business Associationhttps://www.oba-online.org
advocate for enhancement of Oregon’s business climateTue, 28 Jul 2015 22:59:14 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.2.3OBA Announces 2015 Statesman of the Year Award Honoree: U.S. Senator Ron Wydenhttps://www.oba-online.org/oba-announces-2015-statesman-of-the-year-award-honoree-u-s-senator-ron-wyden/
https://www.oba-online.org/oba-announces-2015-statesman-of-the-year-award-honoree-u-s-senator-ron-wyden/#commentsTue, 30 Jun 2015 21:49:31 +0000https://www.oba-online.org/?p=2277
Oregon Business Association has named U.S. Senator Ron Wyden as its 2015 OBA Statesman of the Year honoree.
“As a big picture problem solver unlike any other in America, Senator Wyden is more than deserving of this honor,” said OBA President Ryan Deckert.
Senator Wyden will be honored at OBA’s 15th Annual Statesman Dinner on Monday, Oct. 12 at the Oregon Convention Center.
For more than 30 years, Sen. Wyden Ron Wyden has served Oregon in the U.S. Congress ...]]>

Oregon Business Association has named U.S. Senator Ron Wyden as its 2015 OBA Statesman of the Year honoree.

“As a big picture problem solver unlike any other in America, Senator Wyden is more than deserving of this honor,” said OBA President Ryan Deckert.

Senator Wyden will be honored at OBA’s 15th Annual Statesman Dinner on Monday, Oct. 12 at the Oregon Convention Center.

For more than 30 years, Sen. Wyden Ron Wyden has served Oregon in the U.S. Congress — 15 years as a member of the House of Representatives and since 1996 in the U.S. Senate. He is the ranking member of the U.S Senate Finance Committee and serves on the Budget and Energy and Natural Resources Committees as well as the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

OBA is proud to honor the “Senator who listens” for his many years of dedication to Oregonians and for bipartisan leadership. Senator Wyden says the nation’s biggest problems can only be solved by what he calls “principled bipartisanship,” solutions that allow all parties to stay true to their respective principles and agreements. However, when principles are at stake, he has never shied from standing alone.

]]>https://www.oba-online.org/oba-announces-2015-statesman-of-the-year-award-honoree-u-s-senator-ron-wyden/feed/0Oregonian OpEd by Education Policy Chair Kathy Swifthttps://www.oba-online.org/oregonian-oped-by-education-policy-chair-kathy-swift/
https://www.oba-online.org/oregonian-oped-by-education-policy-chair-kathy-swift/#commentsMon, 01 Jun 2015 17:20:01 +0000https://www.oba-online.org/?p=2230
By Kathy Swift
Almost every state in the country, including Oregon, has adopted higher standards for what students need to know and be able to do as they move through school. With tougher educational standards came tougher tests to measure students’ progress. These end-of-year tests in English and math – called Smarter Balanced – have been a source of contention and confusion amongst Oregon parents and community members since the testing window ...]]>Anti-test parents are opting children out of opportunity

By Kathy Swift

Almost every state in the country, including Oregon, has adopted higher standards for what students need to know and be able to do as they move through school. With tougher educational standards came tougher tests to measure students’ progress. These end-of-year tests in English and math – called Smarter Balanced – have been a source of contention and confusion amongst Oregon parents and community members since the testing window opened this spring.

This confusion has sparked an opt-out movement, where parents are refusing to allow their children to take these tests. By doing so, they deprive themselves of valuable information about their child. On a larger scale, the tests serve a greater purpose: to gauge the health of Oregon’s educational systems. When parents opt students out of the test, educational leaders and policy makers have less reliable information to improve services and target resources and supports to kids.

Bio: Jack Isselmann joined Greenbrier in 2012 as Director of Corporate Relations and Communications. Since then he has taken on increased responsibility for other programs like our companywide security program. Last year ...]]>OBA’s Board of Directors elected three new members at its quarterly meeting May 13. We thank them for joining our hardworking board and their commitment to helping us with our mission to shape Oregon’s economy.

Bio: Jack Isselmann joined Greenbrier in 2012 as Director of Corporate Relations and Communications. Since then he has taken on increased responsibility for other programs like our companywide security program. Last year Isselmann was promoted to Vice President, External Affairs & Communications in part to recognize his role developing and advancing Greenbrier’s public safety efforts related to its Tank Car of the Future. ​

Isselmann reports to William A. Furman, Chairman and CEO and works closely with other senior staff members. A former partner at Portland-based law firm Tonkon Torp LLP, Isselmann also interfaces with the Greenbrier legal department on select compliance and regulatory matters. He continues management of Greenbrier’s government and community relations, corporate security and corporate communications.
​

Linda Hoff is a Certified Public Accountant with more than 25 years of health care leadership experience. Prior to joining Legacy Health, she served as the senior executive vice president for Meriter Health Services and as CEO of Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation (a for-profit HMO). ​

Under Hoff’s leadership, Meriter Health Services achieved awards including the Wisconsin Forward Award, Thomson Reuters Top 100 Hospital ranking and top tier health plan NCQA ranking. Hoff has also held positions with the Mayo Foundation and KPMG, LLP. She has a master’s degree in health care fiscal management and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin. Hoff has extensive experience on multiple for-profit and non-profit boards.
​

Deborah Herron, Walmart, Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations

Bio:
Deborah Herron currently has responsibilities at the state and local levels of government in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Prior to joining Walmart, she was responsible for public affairs and lobbying at a boutique public relations and public affairs firm.
​
During that tenure Herron represented a broad spectrum of clients across retail, health care, pharmaceutical, not-for-profit, aviation and energy sectors. Her career began as a legislative aide to Congressman Bill Clinger (PA-05) during the 103rd Congress, after graduation from the University of Mary Washington. She then landed in the Pacific Northwest leading political campaigns across Oregon and Northern California. With over 18 years as a public affairs and media relations strategist, she has led teams as well as serving as principal of a firm. Herron serves as an Oregon Zoo Foundation Trustee, and on the board of Directors for the Portland Business Alliance along with other business organizations in WA, ID, WY and MT. She served as past board chair and member for the Eugene Relief Nursery. ​

]]>https://www.oba-online.org/welcome-new-board-members/feed/0New Coalition Supports The Pro-Trade Voicehttps://www.oba-online.org/new-coalition-supports-the-pro-trade-voice/
https://www.oba-online.org/new-coalition-supports-the-pro-trade-voice/#commentsFri, 15 May 2015 16:20:52 +0000https://www.oba-online.org/?p=2221
]]>A new coalition has formed to support the pro-trade voice at the federal level. Learn more below and go to OregonJobsThroughTrade.org for additional details.

]]>https://www.oba-online.org/new-coalition-supports-the-pro-trade-voice/feed/0PERS Court Decision: “The Coming Cliff”https://www.oba-online.org/pers-court-decision-the-coming-cliff/
https://www.oba-online.org/pers-court-decision-the-coming-cliff/#commentsMon, 11 May 2015 22:18:56 +0000https://www.oba-online.org/?p=2217
““Every Oregonian will feel this one,” said Deckert, president of the Oregon Business Association. “If you have a kid in school, you’re going to feel it. If you’re paying tuition, you’ll feel it. This cliff is going to be so abrupt that the economy will feel the ground shake.”
–OBA President Ryan Deckert as quoted by Matthew Kish in the May 8, 2015 Portland Business Journal cover story on the fiscal impact of the recent Oregon Supreme Court decision ...]]>““Every Oregonian will feel this one,” said Deckert, president of the Oregon Business Association. “If you have a kid in school, you’re going to feel it. If you’re paying tuition, you’ll feel it. This cliff is going to be so abrupt that the economy will feel the ground shake.”
–OBA President Ryan Deckert as quoted by Matthew Kish in the May 8, 2015 Portland Business Journal cover story on the fiscal impact of the recent Oregon Supreme Court decision on PERS reforms.

]]>https://www.oba-online.org/pers-court-decision-the-coming-cliff/feed/0Oregon PERS Court Case Decision Issued: Huge blow to schools, colleges & universitieshttps://www.oba-online.org/oregon-pers-court-case-decision-issued-huge-blow-to-schools-colleges-universities/
https://www.oba-online.org/oregon-pers-court-case-decision-issued-huge-blow-to-schools-colleges-universities/#commentsThu, 30 Apr 2015 17:23:31 +0000https://www.oba-online.org/?p=2211
The Court’s ruling will reverse MUCH of the reforms, which will have a devastating impact on schools, municipalities, fire districts, and state agencies that participate in PERS.
The decision this morning is a major blow to our schools, colleges and universities. Oregon was back ...]]>We’re disappointed to report this morning that the Oregon Supreme Court has issued a negative decision in a court case seeking to reverse PERS reforms established by the legislature during a special session in October 2013.

The Court’s ruling will reverse MUCH of the reforms, which will have a devastating impact on schools, municipalities, fire districts, and state agencies that participate in PERS.

The decision this morning is a major blow to our schools, colleges and universities. Oregon was back on track with smaller class sizes and adding days back to the school calendar due to the vision of the 2013 legislature and governor. The Supreme Court brought us back to Oregon circa 2011 with the shortest school year in the nation and reduces services across the board.

“Oregon made a generational mistake in public policy, and the Court has essentially ruled that we have to live with it,” said John Tapogna, President of ECONorthwest. “That puts Oregon in a challenging economic position for the next couple of decades. Families and businesses can choose Washington, with similar amenities, but without the legacy costs of an ill-devised pension system. Washington will be able to offer better public services at all levels of government.”

We will provide additional analysis of the decision in the days ahead.

Go HERE to read the Legislative Fiscal Office (LFO) analysis of state budget ramifications prepared in advance of the Oregon Supreme Court decision.

]]>https://www.oba-online.org/oregon-pers-court-case-decision-issued-huge-blow-to-schools-colleges-universities/feed/0OBA Board Meets with Governor Kate Brownhttps://www.oba-online.org/2183/
https://www.oba-online.org/2183/#commentsFri, 20 Mar 2015 18:16:25 +0000https://www.oba-online.org/?p=2183
This week, OBA welcomed Governor Kate Brown to her first formal meeting with Oregon business leaders since taking office. Held on the NIKE campus, the session provided the opportunity to present our 2015 legislative agenda to Governor Brown and share with her the business view of Oregon’s complex economic landscape and OBA’s policy priorities to bring balanced policy solutions to some of our state’s most persistent issues like lagging rural economies and early learning funding.
Read more here: http://us5.campaign-archive2.com/?u=fe2c0406106888e308297d895&id=b8a43d75d8&e=

This week, OBA welcomed Governor Kate Brown to her first formal meeting with Oregon business leaders since taking office. Held on the NIKE campus, the session provided the opportunity to present our 2015 legislative agenda to Governor Brown and share with her the business view of Oregon’s complex economic landscape and OBA’s policy priorities to bring balanced policy solutions to some of our state’s most persistent issues like lagging rural economies and early learning funding.

Kate Brown was sworn in this morning as Oregon’s Governor.
Governor Brown is the consummate Oregonian by way of Minnesota. During her 17 years as an Oregon legislator, she worked hard on both sides of the aisle on issues critical to the state. She is friendly, smart and committed to holding our state together in these unprecedented times.

Governor Brown is the consummate Oregonian by way of Minnesota. During her 17 years as an Oregon legislator, she worked hard on both sides of the aisle on issues critical to the state. She is friendly, smart and committed to holding our state together in these unprecedented times.

We look forward to working with the Brown administration as our economic recovery finally takes hold.

]]>https://www.oba-online.org/a-first-for-oregon/feed/0Kudos! OBA Board Member Mel Sears Promoted to Deputy Regional Business Manager for Parsons Brinckerhoff’s West Regionhttps://www.oba-online.org/kudos-oba-board-member-mel-sears-promoted-to-deputy-regional-business-manager-for-parsons-brinckerhoffs-west-region/
https://www.oba-online.org/kudos-oba-board-member-mel-sears-promoted-to-deputy-regional-business-manager-for-parsons-brinckerhoffs-west-region/#commentsThu, 12 Feb 2015 17:35:24 +0000https://www.oba-online.org/?p=2152
Mel Sears, PE, PMP, has been named Deputy Regional Business Manager for the U.S. West region of Parsons Brinckerhoff, a global infrastructure strategic consulting, engineering and program/construction management organization. In his new position, Mel will work with managers in Parsons Brinckerhoff’s offices in the West to enhance relationships with key clients, expand business development opportunities, and invigorate marketing and pursuit efforts.
Mel has 30 years of project management and leadership experience in both the public and private sectors. He ...]]>

Mel Sears, PE, PMP, has been named Deputy Regional Business Manager for the U.S. West region of Parsons Brinckerhoff, a global infrastructure strategic consulting, engineering and program/construction management organization. In his new position, Mel will work with managers in Parsons Brinckerhoff’s offices in the West to enhance relationships with key clients, expand business development opportunities, and invigorate marketing and pursuit efforts.

Mel has 30 years of project management and leadership experience in both the public and private sectors. He is engaged in multiple professional society and community boards of directors. Before being named West Deputy Regional Manager, he served as Principal Area Manager for the firm’s Portland office.

]]>https://www.oba-online.org/kudos-oba-board-member-mel-sears-promoted-to-deputy-regional-business-manager-for-parsons-brinckerhoffs-west-region/feed/0Congrats! OBA Members Shine Among “Most Admired”https://www.oba-online.org/congrats-oba-members-shine-among-most-admired/
https://www.oba-online.org/congrats-oba-members-shine-among-most-admired/#commentsWed, 17 Dec 2014 21:45:21 +0000https://www.oba-online.org/?p=2089
Members Nike, Intel, Columbia Sportswear, OHSU, and Providence Health & Services rank in top 5 overall in Portland Business Journal‘s 2014 Most Admired Companies List
OBA is proud to recognize member companies recognized recently by the Portland Business Journal following rankings by more than 500 Oregon and southwest Washington CEOs as “Oregon’s 2014 Most Admired Companies.” Following are OBA members recognized with the honor in the “All Industries” listing:
NikeIntelColumbia SportswearOHSUProvidence Health & ServicesKaiser PermanenteNew Seasons Markets
Cambia Health SolutionsWeiden+KennedyModa HealthPrecision ...]]>

OBA is proud to recognize member companies recognized recently by the Portland Business Journal following rankings by more than 500 Oregon and southwest Washington CEOs as “Oregon’s 2014 Most Admired Companies.” Following are OBA members recognized with the honor in the “All Industries” listing: